$200-plus for ‘compulsory’ public school blazers and formal uniform items

Brisbane families are being slugged up to $215 for “compulsory” blazers and hundreds of dollars more on formal uniform requirements despite their children attending public schools.

Brisbane families are being slugged up to $215 for “compulsory” blazers and hundreds of dollars more on other formal uniform requirements despite their children attending public secondary schools.

A Courier-Mail analysis of Brisbane public school uniform prices has revealed the extent of extra fees that parents are having to fork out amid the cost of living crisis.

It’s led to second-hand stores and charity workers being inundated by families with school supplies the “number one” pressure point on household budgets weeks out of school’s return.

Parents at the newly-opened Brisbane South State Secondary College at Dutton Park are being charged between $200-$215 for blazers, plus $84.50 on fedoras, $80 jumpers, $60 trousers and $77 dresses.

Albany Creek and Wavell state high schools are also charging parents more than $150 for blazers while others schools do not require them at all.

The first enrolled student Saanvi Sunil, 13, with Kaldor Varga, 13, after the official opening of Brisbane South State Secondary College. Pics Tara Croser.

It comes after St Vincent de Paul received a record number of applications over the summer for help paying for school supplies.

In Queensland, Vinnies have received 2220 applications – the highest in the 36-year history of its Children’s Education Fund and 25 per cent higher than the previous record for the 2023 school year.

Vinnies Queensland chief executive Kevin Mercer said childrens’ dignity was at stake if they were forced to attend school in “worn out” clothing or uniforms with holes in them.

Mr Mercer said uniforms were the most requested items for support (40 per cent) followed by books and stationary (20 per cent).

“These are very expensive items,” Mr Mercer said of schools charging $200-plus for blazers.

“Everything is going up and uniforms are no exemption. The amount of support we are providing and the amount per child keeps going up every year.

“It becomes so expensive for families when kids grow so quickly, families with boys and girls, and particularly families with children attending different schools.”

P&C’s Queensland chief executive Scott Wiseman said the body recognised the financial challenges facing many families at the start of new school years.

Mr Wiseman said P&C organisations were there to help struggling families with advice about where to find or source second-hand uniforms including blazers, electronic devices and other essential resources.

“We encourage parents who have questions or concerns about uniform costs and resource arrangements at their school to speak with their P&C and their principal,” Mr Wiseman said.

“Remember, you’re not alone, the P&C is there to help support families and give every child every chance in education and in life.”

A Department of Education spokesman said the state government recognised the rising cost of living and the impact it had on families.

The spokesman said school dress codes were required to be developed in consultation with the school community with consideration given to the affordability of uniform items and the socio-economic circumstances of families.

“Schools can choose to run the uniform shop themselves or through their P&C (and purchase uniforms wholesale from a supplier); or have a commercial supplier run the uniform shop on the school’s behalf,” he said.

“Schools are responsible for establishing a supply model that suits their community and complies with the Queensland government’s procurement and purchasing guidelines.”

The state government also provides extensive support to state school students for out-of-pocket expenses including textbook allowances, transport assistance, free and subsidised digital devices and several other measures.